North Seattle Community College (NSCC) has determined that certain of its employees are or can be exposed to respiratory hazards. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all employees are protected from exposure to these hazards.
Engineering controls such as ventilation and substitution of less toxic materials are the first line of defense. However, engineering controls have not always been feasible for some of our operations or have not always completely controlled the identified hazards. In these situations, respirators and other protective equipment must be used. Respirators are also utilized for protection during emergencies.
This program applies to all employees who are required to wear respirators during normal work operations and during certain non-routine or emergency operations. Employees participating in the respiratory protection program do so at no cost to them. The expense associated with medical evaluations, training, and respiratory protection equipment will be borne by NSCC.
Employees who voluntarily choose to use a cartridge style respirator when the respirator is not required are subject to the medical evaluation, cleaning, maintenance and storage elements of this program. These individuals will also receive training covering proper procedures for cleaning, maintenance and storage of their respirators. In addition, the information specified in "Appendix A: Important Information about Voluntary Use of Respirators" will be provided to all voluntary users of respirators. /p>
Employees who voluntarily choose to use a filtering facepiece respirator (i.e., a dust mask style respirator) are excluded from all other requirements of this program.
The following are examples of voluntary use situations that do not require employees to be in the respiratory protection program: /p>
The following are examples of voluntary use situations that require employees to be in the respiratory protection program:
The Respirator Program Administrator is responsible for overseeing the respiratory protection program and to conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness thereby ensuring that all the requirements of this program are fully implemented, as necessary.
The person designated as the Program Administrator is: Frank Deering.
Duties of the Program Administrator include:
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the respiratory protection program is implemented in their particular areas. In addition to being knowledgeable about the program requirements for their own protection, supervisors must also ensure that the program is understood and followed by the employees under their charge. Duties of the supervisor include:
Each employee has the responsibility to wear his or her respirator when and where required and in the manner in which they were trained. Employees must also:
The Program Administrator is responsible to ensure that the respirator selected will be adequate to effectively reduce exposure to the respirator user under all conditions of use including reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
The Program Administrator will select respirators to be used on-site based on the hazards to which workers are exposed and in accordance with all WISHA standards. The Program Administrator will conduct a hazard evaluation for each operation, process, or work area where airborne contaminants may be present in routine operations or during an emergency. The hazard evaluation will include:
The results of the hazard evaluation are summarized in Table 1.
| TABLE 1: HAZARD EVALUATION SUMMARY (Examples only - Employer assessment required) |
| Department | Contaminants | Exposure Monitoring | Permissible Exposures | Controls |
| Construction | Lead | 20 µg/m3 TWA | 50 µg/m3 TWA 30 µg/m3 AL |
Hand scraping only |
| Intensive Care | TB bacillus | N/A | N/A | Neg. pressure HVAC system |
| Paint Shop | Methylene bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI) | 0.5 ppm Ceiling | 0.02 ppm Ceiling | Continuous flow supplied-air respirator required |
| Hull Fab Shop | Styrene Fiberglass dust |
75 ppm TWA 35 mg/m3TWA |
50 ppm TWA 100 ppm STEL 10 mg/m3TWA |
Box fans Open bay doors |
| Glue deck | Formaldehyde | 0.35 ppm TWA 1.0 ppm STEL |
0.5 ppm AL 0.75 ppm TWA 2 ppm STEL |
Full-facepiece with formaldehyde canisters required on glue deck |
| Confined Space Rescue Team | IDLH atmospheres | Assume IDLH | N/A | SCBA required for rescue |
The Program Administrator is responsible to revise and update the hazard evaluation as needed (i.e., any time work process changes may potentially affect employee exposure). If an employee feels that respiratory protection is needed during a particular activity, s/he is to contact Frank Deering. The Program Administrator will evaluate the potential hazard. The Program Administrator will then communicate the results of that assessment back to the affected employees. If it is determined that respiratory protection is necessary, all other elements of this program will be in effect for those tasks and this program will be updated accordingly.
The Program Administrator will review the job operation, the equipment or tools that will be used, and any motion or travel required which can interfere with the type of respirator to be selected. When powered, air-purifying respirators or continuous-flow airline respirators are used, the physical demands affecting breathing rate will be evaluated.
The Program Administrator will ensure that respirators selected will not impair the worker's vision, hearing, communication, and physical movement necessary to perform jobs safely.
Respirators have been selected for protection against gases, vapors, and particulate. Respirators are required for all employees engaged in tasks specified in Table 2.
TABLE 2: RESPIRATOR SELECTION (Examples only - Employer assessment required)
| Respirator | Department/Process |
| Half-facepiece APR1 or PAPR2 with P100 filter | Scraping lead-containing paint |
| Half-facepiece APR with N95 filter | Tuberculosis Isolation Room Transport of TB patients Maintenance of ventilation system for TB control |
| Continuous-flow SAR3 with hood | Isocyanate paint spray operations Abrasive blasting using steel shot |
| Half-facepiece APR with organic vapor cartridge Half-facepiece APR with particulate filter |
Spray booth operators (acetone exposure during gun cleaning) Fiberglass lamination; styrene exposure Toluene-containing clearcoat application Cleaning press rollers with organic solvent blanket wash Grinding/sanding; fiberglass dust |
| SCBA, full-facepiece pressure-demand | Mill emergency rescue team - various contaminants |
1 APR ...Air Purifying Respirator
2 PAPR....Powered Air Purifying Respirator
3 SAR ...Supplied Air Respirator
All respirators must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and shall be used in accordance with the terms of that certification. All filters, cartridges, and canisters must be labeled with the appropriate NIOSH approval label. The label must not be removed or defaced while it is in use.
The assigned protection factors in "WAC 296-62-07131, Table 1--Assigned Protection Factors" will be used when selecting respirators. Half-mask respirators can provide adequate protection for routine respirator use, where employee exposures do not exceed ten times the permissible exposure limit. The Program Administrator will determine the type of respirator to be selected for non-routine or reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
Assigned Protection Factors
| Type of Respirator Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs) |
Assigned Protection Factor |
Single-use or quarter mask facepiece | 5 | Half-facepieceb for: Particulate-filter Vapor- or gas-removing Combination particulate-filter and vapor- or gas-removing |
10 |
| Full facepiece for: Particulate-filter; Vapor- or gas-removing; Combination particulate-filter and vapor- or gas-removing Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) |
100 |
| Powered air-purifying, loose fitting facepiece | 25 | Powered air-purifying, half facepiece | 50 | Powered air-purifying, full facepiece, equipped with HEPA filters | 1000 |
| Powered air-purifying, hood or helmet equipped with HEPA filters Supplied-Air (Airline) Respirators |
1000 | Supplied-air, demand, half facepiece | 10 |
| Supplied-air, continuous-flow, loose fitting facepiece | 25 |
| Supplied-air, continuous-flow or pressure-demand type, half facepiece | 50 |
| Supplied-air, demand, full facepiece | 100 |
| Supplied-air, continuous-flow or pressure-demand type, full facepiece | 1000 |
| Supplied-air, continuous-flow, helmet or hood Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) |
1000 |
| Self-contained breathing apparatus, demand-type, half facepieceb | 10 |
| Self-contained breathing apparatus, demand-type, full facepiece | 100 |
| Self-contained breathing apparatus, pressure-demand type, full facepiece | 10,000 |
For vapor or gas air purifying respirators the two systems in place to warn respirator wearers of contaminant breakthrough include using respirator cartridges equipped with an end-of-service life indicator (ESLI) or using a cartridge replacement schedule based on manufacturer breakthrough test data.
Employees using cartridges not equipped with ESLIs must replace cartridges in accordance with the instruction provided by Table 3. Cartridge color identification will be in accordance with "WAC 296-62-07184 Table 3 -- Color Coding of Respirator Filters, Cartridges and Canisters."
TABLE 3: VAPOR AND GAS CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULES (Examples only - use respirator manufacturer's breakthrough time estimates as discussed above)
| Cartridge Color Identification |
Contaminant Concentration |
Replace every: |
Work Site Conditions |
| Black | 250 ppm, Methyl ethyl ketone | 2 1/2 hours | Relative Humidity < 85% Temperature < 85 deg. F Work rate is moderate |
| Green | 130 ppm, Ammonia | 4 hours | Relative Humidity < 85% Temperature < 85 deg. F Work rate is moderate |
For respirators worn exclusively for protection against particles, filters will be changed per the manufacturer's specification and whenever the wearer detects a change in breathing resistance.
For atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), the highest level of respiratory protection and reliability is required. The following respirators will be provided and used: Full-facepiece pressure demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certified for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or a combination full-facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with an auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Employees assigned to tasks where respirators are utilized must be physically able to perform the work while using the respirator. Accordingly, the company has the responsibility of ensuring that employees are medically fit and able to tolerate the physical and psychological stress imposed by respirator use, as well as the physical stress originating from job and workplace conditions. Employees will not be allowed to wear respirators until a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) has determined that they are medically able to do so.
Any employee refusing the medical evaluation cannot work in an area requiring respirator use.
Employees voluntarily using filtering facepiece respirators (dust masks) and employees using loose fitting escape-o nly respirators (provided that is the only respirator used) are exempt from the requirements of the medical evaluation program.
Occupational Health Services, Valley Medical Center will provide initial and any follow-up medical evaluations.
The Program Administrator will provide the PLHCP the following general information before evaluations begin:
In addition, the "Employer Provided Information for Medical Evaluations" form in Appendix B of this written program will be used to compile the necessary user-specific information to be provided to the PLHCP. The user-specific information describes:
Employees assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators will be required to complete the "WISHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire" (Ref.: WAC 296-62-07255, Appendix C). The Program Administrator will make available a copy of the questionnaire to all employees requiring medical evaluations. The medical evaluation will be administered confidentially and during working hours at a place on site that is convenient to employees. A stamped and addressed envelope for mailing the questionnaire to the PLHCP will be provided. Employees will be paid their prevailing wages during questionnaire administration.
To the extent feasible for maintaining confidentiality, the Program Administrator or his/her designee will aid employees who are unable to read the questionnaire by providing reading assistance. To ensure confidentiality, the questionnaire will not be reviewed at anytime by the Program Administrator or designee. The Program Administrator or designee will not review completed questions and there will be no employee/employer interaction that could be considered a breach of confidentiality. Where confidentiality cannot be maintained during administration of the questionnaire, the employee will be sent to the PLHCP for medical evaluation.
If needed, employees will have the opportunity to discuss the questionnaire content and/or examination results with the PLHCP via telephone call. During questionnaire administration, the PLHCP's phone number will be given to employees and access to a phone will be provided at no charge to the employee. All records from medical evaluations, including completed questionnaires, will remain confidential between the employee and the PLHCP.
NSCC will obtain a written recommendation from the PLHCP on whether/or not the employee is medically able to wear a respirator. The recommendation must identify any limitations on the employee's use of the respirator, as well as the need for periodic or future medical evaluations that are required by the PLHCP.
A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) will be provided to any employee if information from the PLHCP's written recommendation indicates that the employee can use a PAPR but not a negative pressure respirator. If, subsequent to this evaluation, the PLHCP determines that the employee is able to wear a negative pressure respirator, the company will no longer be required to provide a PAPR to that employee.
The employee will receive a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendations directly from the PLHCP. Information concerning diagnosis, test results, or other confidential medical information will not be disclosed to the company by the PLHCP.
NSCC will provide additional medical evaluation or medical re-evaluation for any employee when:
The content of such additional medical evaluations will be determined by the PLHCP.
Fit testing will be required for all respirators with a tight-fitting facepiece. Fit testing will be performed:
Employees will be fit tested with the make, model, and size of respirator that they will actually wear. Employees will be provided with several models and sizes of respirators so that they may find the optimal fit.
Fit testing of tight-fitting PAPRs is to be conducted in negative pressure mode (i.e., with the fan motor turned off).
Fit testing of tight-fitting airline respirators will be conducted using an identical negative pressure air purifying respirator facepiece as a substitute test mask.
If for any reason an employee finds that the respirator fit is unacceptable, a reasonable opportunity to select a different facepiece and to be retested will be provided.
Employees who voluntarily chose to use air-purifying respirators are not required to be fit tested.
The form in "Appendix D: Respirator Fit Test record" will be used to document respirator fit testing.
Frank Deering will conduct fit testing. It has been determined that employee exposures will not exceed airborne concentrations in excess of 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), therefore qualitative fit tests can be conducted on all negative pressure respirators. If conditions affecting exposure levels change, the Program Administrator will evaluate whether quantitative fit testing is required.
Fit testing will be administered by using the WISHA-accepted qualitative fit test protocols found in "WAC 296-62-07201 Appendix A-1: General Fit Testing Requirements for Respiratory Protection and WAC 296-62-07205 Appendix A-2: Qualitative /fit Testing (QLFT) Protocols for Respiratory Protection." The qualitative fit test protocol that will be used at NSCC is the Bitrex fit test protocol. A copy of the protocol can be found in Appendix B of this written program.
When qualitative fit tests are to be conducted, the Program Administrator will ensure that the test exercises described in WAC 296-62-07203 are performed.
While a fit test is in progress, the respirator must not be adjusted.
Employees will perform fit test exercises in the test environment while wearing other safety equipment that will be worn during actual respirator use that could interfere with respirator fit.
If the employee exhibits breathing difficulty during the fit test, s/he will be referred to the PHLCP to determine whether a respirator can be worn while performing his or her duties.
The Program Administrator will monitor the work area in order to be aware of changing conditions where employees are using respirators.
NSCC will not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have conditions that would compromise the facepiece-to-face seal. Examples of these conditions include facial hair (e.g., stubble, bangs) that interferes with the facepiece seal or valve function, absence of normally worn dentures, facial deformities (e.g., scars, deep skin creases, prominent cheekbones), or the use of jewelry or headgear that projects under the facepiece seal.
Corrective glasses or goggles, or other personal protective equipment, must be worn in such a way that they do not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face. Full-facepiece respirators will be provided where either corrective glasses or eye protection is required, since corrective lenses can be mounted inside a full-facepiece respirator. The use of contact lenses with respirators where the wearer has successfully worn such lenses before will be allowed.
A user seal check (also known as a fit check) will be performed every time a tight-fitting respirator is put on or adjusted to ensure proper seating of the respirator to the face. The user seal check conducted must be either the positive and/or negative pressure checks described in "WAC 296-62-07251 Appendix B-1: User Seal Check Procedures," or the manufacturer's recommended procedures when equally protective.
The Program Administrator and/or Supervisors (forperson, lead, etc.) will be responsible to maintain appropriate surveillance of changes in work area conditions that may increase employee exposure or stress.
Employees will be permitted to leave the respirator use area to wash their faces and respirator facepieces as needed to prevent skin or eye irritation associated with respirator use.
Whenever the respirator user can detect vapor or gas breakthrough (by odor, taste, and/or irritation effects), a change in breathing resistance or leakage of the facepiece, the employee will be allowed to leave the respirator use area to replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements.
Employees will be permitted to leave the respirator use area if they are replacing cartridge or canister elements according to the established replacement schedule or when the end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) shows that the canister or cartridge(s) must be changed.
Employees will be permitted to leave the respirator use area if the respirator is not properly functioning and must be replaced, repaired, or discarded. The employee will be allowed back into the respirator use area only after the respirator has been replaced or repaired.
Employees will be permitted to leave the respirator use area if the employee experiences severe discomfort in wearing the respirator or if the employee experiences sensations of dizziness, nausea, weakness, breathing difficulty, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Each user will be responsible for the maintenance and care of their individual respirator.
Respirators will be cleaned and disinfected by each individual user utilizing the procedures in "WAC 296-62-07253 Appendix B-2: Respirator Cleaning Procedures." The respirator manufacturer's cleaning procedures may be used if they are equivalent in effectiveness as Appendix B-2.
Respirators will be cleaned and disinfected as follows:
Respirators will be stored so that they are protected against damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, temperature extremes, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. When respirators are packed or stored, the facepiece and exhalation valve will be stored in a manner that prevents deformation. Each respirator should be positioned so that it retains its natural configuration. Dust respirators must be stored in a clean plastic bag. Respirators shall never be stored in such places as lockers or tool boxes unless they are in clean carrying cases or cartons and the cleaning and storage conditions listed above can be assured. No employee shall remove a respirator from the premises unless directed to do so by his or her immediate supervisor.
The Program Administrator is responsible to ensure that respirators intended for emergency use will be kept accessible to the work area. Emergency use respirators will not be kept in any area that might itself be involved in the emergency because such an area may become contaminated or inaccessible. Emergency use respirators will be stored in compartments or covers that are clearly marked to indicate that they contain emergency respirators and stored according to any applicable manufacturer instructions.
The Program Administrator will ensure that an adequate number of respirators are provided each work area where they are needed.
Respirators used in routine situations will be inspected before each use and during cleaning.
Respirators designated for use in an emergency situation will be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and checked for proper function before and after each use. Emergency escape-only respirators must be inspected before being carried into the workplace. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be inspected monthly and after each use.
Respirator inspections will include a check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including but not limited to: The facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters, or filters. In addition, the elastomeric parts must be evaluated for pliability and signs of deterioration.
Regulators and warning devices on SCBAs must be inspected monthly to ensure that they function properly. The monthly inspection will also make sure that cylinders are in a fully charged capacity (i.e., 90 % of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level).
Respirators that are maintained for use in emergencies will be certified by documenting the date that the inspection was performed, the name or signature of the inspector, the findings of the inspection, any required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator. This information will be provided on the tag/label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator.
The Program Administrator or designee will ensure that respirators which fail to pass inspection or are otherwise found to be defective will be removed from service and repaired or adjusted properly. If a respirator cannot be repaired or adjusted it will be discarded.
Only NIOSH-approved manufacturer's replacement parts designed for that respirator will be used. Repairs will be made in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications regarding the type and extent of repairs to be performed.
The Program Administer will ensure that all filters, cartridges, and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color-coded with the NIOSH approval label, and ensure that the label is not removed and remains legible. "WAC 296-62-07184 Table 3 -- Color Coding of Respirator Filters, Cartridges and Canisters" provides color-coding information.
Frank Deering will provide training to respirator users, supervisors, and any person issuing respirators on the contents of NSCC's Respiratory Protection Program and their responsibilities under it, and on the WISHA respiratory protection standard.
Employees will be trained prior to using a respirator in the workplace. Supervisors will be trained prior to using a respirator in the workplace or prior to supervising employees who wear respirators.
Employees who voluntarily use filtering facepiece (dust mask) respirators are exempt from the training requirements. Voluntary users of elastomeric air-purifying respirators will receive limited training regarding cleaning and storage.
The information specified in "Appendix A, Important Information about Voluntary Use of Respirators" will be provided all voluntary users of respirators.
The Respiratory Protection Training course materials will cover the following information:
New employees will be provided respirator training prior to using a respirator in the workplace.
Employees will be retrained annually and more often as needed (e.g., if they change area/location/position and need to use a different respirator).
Retraining will occur if the Program Administrator or Supervisor determines that any employee has not retained or demonstrated the knowledge, understanding, or skill level required by the company's training program.
The Program Administrator is responsible to conduct evaluations of the workplace, as necessary. Periodic program evaluation is required to ensure that the provisions of the respiratory protection program are being implemented for all employees using respirators. In addition, evaluations will be conducted to ensure the continued effectiveness of the program. Evaluations of the workplace will determine whether the correct respirators are being used and worn properly and will also serve to determine whether the training program is effective.
Supervisors are responsible to periodically monitor employee use of respirators to ensure that they are being used and worn properly.
The Program Administrator will regularly consult with employees wearing respirators to ascertain the employees' views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems so that corrective action can be taken.
The following factors will be evaluated to determine program effectiveness:
The Program Administrator will be responsible to correct any problems associated with wearing a respirator that are identified by employees or that are revealed during any other part of this evaluation.
The Program Administrator will retain a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation for each employee subject to medical evaluation. Each employee's completed medical questionnaire, results of relevant medical tests, examinations, and diagnosis, etc., will be maintained by the PHLCP for a period of 30 years. Records of medical evaluations will be made available as specified in Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part B, WISHA's Access to Records rule.
The Program Administrator will retain fit test records for respirator users until the next fit test is administered. These records consist of:
The form in "Appendix C: Respirator Fit Test Record" will be used to document employee fit testing.
The Program Administrator will retain employee training records that include the names of employees trained and the dates when training was conducted.
The Program Administrator will keep a current copy of North Seattle Community College written respiratory protection program in Facilities Operations Safety Information Center. All written materials required to be maintained under the recordkeeping requirements will be made available, upon request, to the employee who is subject of the records and to the director or the director's designee of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for examination and copying.
Appendix A: Important Information about Voluntary Use of Respirators
WAC 296-62-07117 What must you do when employees choose to wear respirators when respirators are not required?
| Figure 1 Important Information About Voluntary Use of Respirators Note: "You" and "your" mean the employee in the following information. Respirators protect against airborne contaminants when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposure to contaminants are below the exposure limit(s), to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to you. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous contaminants (chemical & biological) does not exceed the limits set by WISHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you are allowed to provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. You should do the following:
|
Appendix B: Fit Testing Procedure
Bitrex Solution Qualitative Fit Test Procedure
APPENDIX C: Respirator Fit Test Record
|
Name: ________________________________________________________ Initials: ___________ Type of qualitative/quantitative fit test used: ____________________________________ Name of test operator: _______________________________________ Initials: ___________ Date: _________________ |
| RESPIRATOR MFR./MODEL/APPROVAL NO. | SIZE | PASS | / FAIL |
| 1. ___________________________________ | S M L | P | F |
| 2. ___________________________________ | S M L | P | F |
| 3. ___________________________________ | S M L | P | F |
| 4. ___________________________________ | S M L | P | F |
|
NOTES: ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ This record indicates that you have passed or failed a qualitative or quantitative fit test as shown above for the particular respirator(s) shown. Other types will not be used until fit tested. |
APPENDIX D: Respirator Training Record
|
___________________________________________Employee Name (printed) I certify that I have been trained in the use of the following: This training included the inspection procedures, fitting, maintenance and limitations of the above respirator(s). I understand how the respirator operates and provides protection. I further certify that I have heard the explanation of the unit(s) as described above and I understand the instructions relevant to use, cleaning, disinfecting and the limitations of the unit(s). __________________________________ Instructor Signature __________________________________ Date |
Air-purifying respirator a respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.
Assigned protection factor (APF) the expected level of workplace protection provided by a properly functioning respirator worn by properly fitted and trained individuals. It describes the ratio of the ambient concentration of an airborne substance to the concentration of the substance inside the respirator.
Atmosphere-supplying respirator a respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere, and includes supplied-air respirators (SAR's) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
Canister or cartridge a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or a combination of these items, that removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.
Demand respirator an atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece only when a negative pressure is created inside the facepiece by inhalation.
Emergency situation any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment that may or does result in an uncontrolled substantial release of an airborne contaminant.
Employee exposure an exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection.
End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) a system that warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection; for example, that the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer effective.
Escape-only respirator a respirator intended to be used only for emergency exit.
Filtering facepiece (dust mask) a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium.
Filter or air-purifying element a component used in respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from the inspired air.
Fit factor a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.
Fit test the use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual. See also "Qualitative fit test (QLFT)" and "Quantitative fit test (QNFT)."
Helmet a rigid respiratory inlet covering that also provides head protection against impact and penetration.
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter and larger. The equivalent NIOSH 42 CFR part 84 particulate filters are the N100, R100, and P100 filters.
Hood a respiratory inlet covering that completely covers the head and neck, and may also cover portions of the shoulders and torso.
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
Interior structural firefighting the physical activity of fire suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures that are involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage.
Loose-fitting facepiece a respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the face.
Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting) a respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
Oxygen deficient atmosphere an atmosphere with oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.
Physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide, or be delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of the health care services required by WAC 296-62-07150, "Medical evaluation." In Washington State, physicians (MD or DO), physicians assistants (PA) or nurse practitioners (ARNP) qualify to be designated as a PLHCP.
Positive-pressure a respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) an air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.
Pressure demand respirator a positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation.
Qualitative fit test (QLFT) a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respiratory fit that relies on the individual's response to the test agent.
Quantitative fit test (QNFT) an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.
Respiratory inlet covering the portion of a respirator that forms the protective barrier between the user's respiratory tract and an air-purifying device or breathing air source, or both. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or a mouthpiece respirator with nose clamp.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.
Service life the period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer.
Supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user.
Tight-fitting facepiece a respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete seal with the face.
User seal check an action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face.
1 APR ...Air Purifying Respirator
2 PAPR....Powered Air Purifying Respirator
3 SAR ...Supplied Air Respirator
Appendix F: Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
The Medical Evaluation Questionnaire may be printed and filled out. Contact Frank Deering for information on submitting the form.
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